5 minute read
Cool Down Jamaica
joined forces at the UNDP and Panos Caribbean’s ‘1 5 To Stay Alive Knowledge Forum and Jam Session’ to hear updates on global warming and to renew their commitment as climate change education messengers The group included Pam Hall, Anthony Cruz, Grub Cooper, Jerone Riley, Aaron Silk, Ras Rebellion, Mezmoore Fari, Oneil Scott also known as Nazzle Man, and Donn Gass
Arising from concerns about rising temperatures in Jamaica, and in support of the National Tree Planting Initiative, the artistes specifically called for greater use of shade-producing trees to improve canopy coverage, carbon sequestration and temperature reduction in urban spaces; greater use and retention of shade-producing hardwood trees; and greater attention to cooling down the hottest communities in Jamaica by partnering on strategic shade-producing tree planting exercises for town centers, roadways, homes, and establishments
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The group also called for expansion of the number of green spaces and parks; as well as promulgation of policies and regulations to activate a robust circular economy in order to reduce plastic pollution while providing new sources of income
The Voices for Climate Change Education artistes recommitted to music collaborations to educate the people about the risks of global warming and practical mitigation measures that can reduce climate change impacts
UNDP Resident Representative remind the world that legends never fade; they transform into supernovas! To be a part of this unforgettable event for my country is a great honor I love boxing and Jamaica – my heart and home ”
James “Lights Out” Toney will return to the boxing ring for the first time six years after his 2017 unanimous vote and win against Mike Sheppard “This boxing match will be fun! I am excited to return to the ring and dance with another heavyweight great, Donovan “Razor” Ruddock,” he said “Rumble In The Sun” is the most extraordinary boxing exhibition since the 1973 Joe Frazier and George Foreman pay-per-view boxing match
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit The Good Hope Primary School in St Catherine, Gloves Over Guns, the Jamaica Boxing Board’s sports development initiative, and the Life Driven Foundation
Denise E Antonio in recalling the power of the music message produced by the group for the Paris Agreement talks, said they must renew their advocacy because of worrying forecasts that the earth is on track to exceed the 1 5-degree limit
“We call on artistes to once again produce the music message the world needs to hear – that Industrialized nations must reduce carbon emissions and we on the frontlines must step up adaptation and mitigation actions to protect ourselves,” she stated
Thomas, founding CEO of the Miami Entertainment Law Group “Stepping back into the ring with Toney fills me with joy,” said Ruddock “I was born in the ring, and I am ready to defy the limits and
The indigenous Haudenosaunee nation and Australia finished 3rd and 4th respectively, making up the expected top 4 coming into the tournament
Newcomer Jamaica joined the regulars Israel, Japan, and England to round out quarterfinals ahead of the likes of Italy, Germany, Netherlands and France The upstart Jamaican team that finished in the top 13 at the 2018 tournament pushed one stage further, beating Italy to make it to the quarter-finals The matchup finished 7-6 in favor of the Jamaicans, highlighted by a Khairi Sears hat trick While Jamaica would eventually lose to Canada, their run to the quarterfinals saw them go undefeated in their pool, beating out lacrosse heavyweight Germany Jamaica lost the 7th place decider to Israel in heartbreaking fashion conceding late and then losing sudden death during overtime
Jamaican lacrosse is still in its infancy Over the past 10 years, more high schools have adopted the game establishing a foothold in the local competitive scene The Jamaica Lacrosse Association is a grassroots program created to foster growth in the scene and develop an internationally competitive team The organization still partly subsists from community donations, enthusiastic volunteers, and supportive parents Despite this, the group and the national team have made the most of the circumstances by combining local talent with athletes from around the Jamaican diaspora
“My whole reason for coming out of retirement and getting back into the ring is to assist my primary school in the Red Ground District and to help the youth development program “Gloves Over Guns” eradicate violence,” said Ruddock
Head Coach Hallgrimsson satisfied with Boyz’ progress to Gold Cup quarter-finals
Jamaica’s Senior Men’s National Team head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson was left pleased with the Reggae Boyz’s 5-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis in their final Group A match at the 17th CONCACAF Gold Cup Tournament inside the Levi Stadium in Sana Clara, California on Sunday
And apart from being Jamaica’s biggest-ever margin of victory at the tournament, another aspect which left a grin on Hallgrimsson’s face was the fact that goals were being scored by a number of players instead of a select group of players
Despite the huge margin of victory, Jamaica finished as runners-up to the USA on goal difference after the hosts defeated Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 to finish on seven points, but with a plus 12 goal difference as compared to Jamaica’s plus eight
The Americans had also defeated Trinidad and Tobago 6-0 while playing out a 1-1 result in the tournament opener with Jamaica Jamaica had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 4-1
The US and Jamaica thus advanced to the quarter-finals with Jamaica facing the first-place team from Group D on Sunday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
Currently, Guadeloupe leads Group D with four points from two games, the same as Guatemala, but with a plusthree goal difference compared to a plus-one for the Central Americans Canada lies in third place with two points, with Cuba eliminated without a point at the foot of the table
The Reggae Boyz travelled to Ohio late Monday well ahead of their next assignment
In reiterating the artistes’ climate action mitigation calls to action, Ms Antonio announced that UNDP will increase canopy coverage at UNDP by joining the National Tree Planting Initiative using trees donated by the Forestry Department “We are committed to modelling the change we talk about while cooling our space and reducing our carbon footprint,” she disclosed
Forestry Department Chief Executive Officer and Conservator of Forests, Ainsley A Henry, acknowledged Climate Change as an undeniable reality, and rising temperatures as a significant challenge to the environment and human well-being
He said trees hold the power to combat Climate Change impacts by acting as nature’s air conditioners “By planting trees, preserving existing ones, maintaining their health, diversifying our urban forests, and recognizing their multifaceted benefits, we can create cooler, greener, and more sustainable communities,” Mr Henry stated
He called for individuals and communities to join hands in embracing the power of trees and working towards a cooler and healthier future for present and future generations He called for treeplanting initiatives which prioritize the preservation of existing trees; maintenance and care of trees and the creation of urban forests to help increase biodiversity and resilience
The 1 5 To Stay Alive Session was addressed by University of the West Indies, Mona Climate Studies Group, Professor Michael Taylor who disclosed that global temperatures had already increased 1 1 degrees Celsius and are already producing unfamiliar weather patterns. He cautioned that further temperature rise could mean unprecedented impact on climate